Parable: Hodja’s Hospitality, Taken For Granted

One afternoon a man from Hodja’s native village paid a visit to him and brought a fat duck as a present. The Mullah was extremely happy. Without delay he plucked the duck and prepared a delicious soup, which he shared with his guest.

The day after, another man came to see the Hodja. He brought no present but he explained:

“I am the brother of the man who offered you the duck.”

“Be welcome”, said Hodja and invited him to share dinner.

Another day passed and another empty-handed visitor knocked at the door.

“May you only know prosperity and good health” , he said,“I am the cousin of the brother of the man who brought you the duck.”

The Hodja asked him in and offered him hospitality.

Now it happens that one week after that, yet another man came to say:

“Be blessed Hodja, I am the neighbour of the cousin of the brother of the man who brought you the duck, and I bring you greetings”.

Nasrudin Hodja sat him at the guest table and they had a pleasant chat while dinner was prepared. Then, he carried to the table a big pot of boiling water from which he served a large dish for the visitor.

“What is this, Hodja?” exclaimed the man.

“This, my friend, is the soup of the soup, of the soup, of the soup, of the duck.”